One of the ships was heading for loading grain, the other was transporting soybeans.
The Russian occupation army has again attacked civilian shipping – two vessels were hit in the Odesa region , resulting in one fatality and one injury. This was announced by Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Minister of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
According to him, while en route to the port of Chornomorsk, a Russian attack drone struck a civilian vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was heading for a grain loading within the “sea corridor.” He added that the vessel’s seaworthiness was not impaired, it was underway, and was heading to the nearest port.
Additionally, according to the minister, a Comoros-flagged vessel carrying soybeans was struck near the port of Odessa. Preliminary reports indicate casualties. Rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene.
“As a result of the attack, unfortunately, a crew member, a Syrian citizen, was killed. This is a terrible war crime!” the official emphasized.
“This is further evidence that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian targets, international shipping, and food logistics. Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure security and fulfill its export obligations, despite the constant attacks,” Kuleba emphasized.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority added that a strike by a drone on a vessel heading to the port of Chornomorsk injured one of the foreign crew members. He is receiving all necessary medical care.
A drone attack in the Odessa port damaged a civilian vessel, killing one crew member.
It is noted that emergency and specialized services are working at both sites.
The press service of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office told UNIAN that the enemy attacked port infrastructure. Both victims (the deceased and the wounded) were men. “The wounded man was born in 1990. The deceased man was approximately 50 years old,” the office added. An investigation has been launched into war crimes resulting in death (Part 2, Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to Odesa Regional State Administration Chief Oleh Kiper, the stern of the vessel loading soybeans was damaged. On another civilian vessel, flagged to St. Kitts and Nevis, the second mate, a Syrian citizen, was injured.
(C)UNIAN 2026